This paper seeks to systematically describe the length and content of quality checklists used in performance-based financing programmes, their similarities and differences, and how checklists have evolved over time. The authors compiled a list of supply-side, health facility-based performance-based financing (PBF) programmes in low- and lower middle-income countries based on a document review. They then solicited PBF manuals and quality checklists from implementers and donors of these PBF mechanisms. There is scope to rationalize and evolve the quality checklists of these programs to help achieve national and global goals to improve quality of care.